18 Gorgeous Nail Trends to Try in 2016

People on Instagram and Pinterest are going wild over this silver statement. While most nail art features designs, this metallic look, created using The Mirror Nail Polish from Born Pretty ($9.99, Bornprettystore.com), is simple yet dramatic. All you need to do is apply a base coat of clear polish, then two coats of the reflective silver topcoat. Just like that, you've got a look fit for an Olympic medal.

Playing with negative space in your manicure is a cool way to wear unique designs without getting too dramatic. "Minimalist nails will still be big, but with more of a twist," says Alexaundra McCormick of Honey Artists, who adds that geometric and abstract patterns will be prominent in the new year.

Considering how big the opal hair trend was in 2015, it makes sense that McCormick predicts opal polishes getting big for 2016. Try it in a glittery pale polish or a shimmering pearlescent topcoat — either way, your nails will look fit for any elegant event.

First came oil slick hair, which took unnatural shades to the next level and made trendy shades accessible to brunettes. Now comes this cool take on metallic that looks just like a dripping, swirly oil spill — but with way less mess, of course.

If you love the look of naked nails but still want to have a polished, even look, you're in luck: nude nails are coming back, according to Janel Lucas, author of Holiday Nail Art (Schiffer Publishing).

Add some extra bling to your typical mani with a dash of sparkle on every nail. "I see more people than ever adding 3-D embellishments, small stones, and crystals," observes McCormick.

If you're truly dedicated to cool designs, this ultra-long shape with a flat tip could be what you're looking for. "Ballerina nails are very fashionable and wearable — and perfect for creating bold, edgy nail looks," says Lucas.

If ultra-long ballerina nails are a little too much to handle, here's a quieter version that's still totally on-trend.

Of course, ballerina and stiletto nails aren't quite practical for everyone, so here's some good news: "I really think short oval nails will really take the cake this year," says McCormick, who notes that this shape has been all over the runways lately. On top of being easy to maintain, you won't hurt yourself when it comes time to remove your contacts.

Beam your nails up with holographic polishes! Lucas predicts these will be big in the coming months. Bonus: Using just one metallic shade still looks as cool and dynamic as more traditional nail art.

We know and love this cool concept firsthand (hyuck hyuck), but does it have the potential to go mainstream? "Spray-on polish has gotten a lot of buzz already and I think it will get more popular once it's released on a wider scale," predicts Lucas. "I think the simplicity of it and the unique application process makes it interesting for people to try out." Curious? Check out our step-by-step review.

Ready for the new French mani? McCormick predicts that nail artists will swap traditional tips for waves, patterns, and colors to complement funky makeup trends in 2016.

Get ready for your nails to shine like crazy in 2016 — metallics are back and they're coming in every color. Pick a metallic in your favorite shade and go wild.

Deep, rich forest greens and kale colors will be big this year, says McCormick. Don't be afraid to wear this trendy shade past the cold winter months — a chic design in a deep, rich green looks great all year round.

Bright and bold shiny nails are fun, but if you dig nails to be on the subtler side, McCormick recommends switching up your typical shimmering shades for a muted jewel tone.

"Graphic nails will be making a big statement this year," predicts McCormick. So why not take this opportunity to make an actual statement with your nails? And it's super easy if you get a nail lettering kit — as a matter of fact, yours truly DIY'd this design for my birthday!

Can't seem to grow out your nails? Short, round nails are always in, and McCormick predicts they'll be super trendy this year.

The world already went wild for sweater nails, but look forward to new textures and 3-D patterns being incorporated into manicures in 2016.